Is dog registration compulsory?
Yes. All dogs over three months old must be registered with the local council in the name of a person aged 16 years or older [Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 (SA) ss 33, 34].
Special registration procedures apply for businesses involving dogs, namely kennels at which dogs are bred or trained or businesses providing security or other services involving the use of dogs [s 35].
If the owner or person responsible for the dog fails to register the dog, the council may issue an expiation notice for that offence or a summons to answer the charge and pay a fine [s 33].
The council can issue a further expiation notice or summons for each 14 days that the dog continues to be unregistered.
Expiation fee
Dangerous or prescribed dogs $750
Any other dog $170
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